In a matter of just two seasons, Hyderabad FC head coach Manuel Marquez remarkably transformed his team from a wooden spoon holder to a winner. There Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 triumph at PJN Stadium, Goa, this year was the culmination of an ambitious project which began in January 2020.

On his two incredible seasons at Hyderabad FC in Hero ISL, the 53-year-old coach while speaking to espn.in said, “In professional football, the most important thing is to win the game. But for me, one of the most important qualities in a coach is to adapt to the players. I don't like too much to defend, defend, defend, but if you don't have the correct players to [play his preferred way], you will lose the ball. The possibilities of winning depend on the qualities of your players and you have to adapt to them."

Thanks to his style of play that pleases the eyes saw the resurgence of Indian youngsters. The domestic unit – which included Laxmikant Kattimani, Akash Mishra, Chinglensana Singh, Asish Rai, Mohammad Yasir, and Souvik Chakrabarti among others that played their best football under Marquez and led their team to win the championship.

The Spaniard took Indian youngsters under his wings and brought the best out of them, he said, "When I arrived in India, I found a group of players who wanted to listen to me from the first day. I love all of them... it's a complete pleasure to train with them. They want to improve every training session!" It's that mentality that he adores.

"I always say that I prefer a normal player with confidence than one very good player without (confidence)."

He further added, “When the level of the training session is high, usually the season is good. Of course, there will be bad moments, and bad results, but even in these kinds of situations, the team was very strong. After every defeat, the team reacted very well." 

The Head coach didn’t shy away from praising his international players also, he said, “Joao Victor is, in my opinion, the best player in the league. He is the most decisive in terms of everything: leadership, football. Even Aridane is one of the most important players that we've had. He [along with Odei Onaindia and Sastre] was very, very important for the Indian guys. It's not only on the pitch, it's off it too.

The Spaniard made it clear and rested all the rumors of his joining Mumbai City FC. He said,” I read Mumbai wants Manuel Marquez, another team wants me…I didn't touch my contract! I will finish it."

Now, it will be interesting to see how the team performs next season. The expectations will be high, but it is important to be humble. As long as Marquez is the head coach, the club will be heading in the right direction.